Lyceum’s CJ Perez swoops in for a layup against his former team Ateneo. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
CJ Perez shone against his former squad as he led Lyceum’s escape act over Ateneo, 90-89, in the 2017 Filoil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup Monday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
The energetic winger buoyed the Pirates with 13 points, six rebounds, three assists, and three steals as he kickstarted a new chapter in his collegiate career.
“We were lucky down the stretch. Our players just didn’t give up,” said Lyceum head coach Topex Robinson. “For me, this is an experience that will sharpen us.”
Jaycee Marcelino also had a huge debut for Lyceum with a team-high 14 markers and three assists, while twin brother Jayvee Marcelino got 11 points and five boards.
MJ Ayaay chipped in 13 markers, four rebounds, and three assists while NU transferee Ralph Tansingco had 12 in his first game with the Pirates.
“I guess those are just players that were left behind by other teams that we picked up and they committed to play for us. It’s a collective effort from those guys and a nice win for us,” said Robinson.
Lyceum failed to protect its 86-76 lead with 3:28 remaining as Mike Nieto drilled two treys to get the Blue Eagles within one, 90-89, in the final 1:11.
Perez would turn the ball over on the other end, giving Ateneo a glimmer of hope, but Nieto failed to cash in on his potential game-winning trey in the waning seconds of the game.
Nieto topscored for the Blue Eagles with 17 points on 3-of-5 shooting from threes, that went with eight rebounds while Thirdy Ravena had 14 points and seven boards.
The scores:
LYCEUM 90 – Jc. Marcelino 14, Perez 13, Ayaay 13, Tansingco 12, Jv. Marcelino 11, Pretta 10, Caduyac 6, Baltazar 3, Ibanez 2, Nzeusseu 2, Santos 2, Marata 2, Serrano 0, Cinco 0, Liwag 0, Pallares 0.
ATENEO 89 – Mi. Nieto 17, Ravena 14, Ikeh 13, Asistio 13, Ma. Nieto 8, Verano 5, Mendoza 5, Tolentino 3, Tio 3, Wong 3, Mamuyac 3, Porter 2, Black 0, Go 0, Ildefonso 0, White 0.
Quarters: 22-14, 42-39, 69-61, 90-89.